metformin

noun

met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən How to pronounce metformin (audio)
: a drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C4H11N5·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes

Examples of metformin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some of the studies are exploring how the diabetes drug metformin, for example, might help slow down (and therefore preserve) the metabolic system. Alice Park, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025 Imagine, for example, if the FDA withdrew approval for the diabetes drug metformin every time a manufacturing issue was identified. Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, some approaches to slowing the aging process are already in clinical trials, including medications such as metformin and semaglutide (which is currently also being used to treat obesity). Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025 Less frequent side effects can include chest discomfort, weakness, headache, rhinitis, hypoglycemia and vitamin B12 deficiency (with long-term metformin use). Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for metformin

Word History

Etymology

methyl + -formin (as in phenformin, an earlier antidiabetic drug)

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metformin was in 1961

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Cite this Entry

“Metformin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metformin. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

metformin

noun
met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən How to pronounce metformin (audio)
: an antidiabetic drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C4H11N5·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes in patients unresponsive to or intolerant of approved sulfonylurea drugs

Note: Trademarks for preparations containing metformin include Glucophage, Glucovance, Invokamet, Janumet, Jentadueto, and Kombiglyze.

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